Conformity / Obedience

Use Good Feelings To Improve Hygiene

Problem

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of children’s death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Solution

Changing people’s feelings about washing their hands with soap improves hygiene, which in turn reduces diarrhea...

Health

Belonging / Support

Conformity / Obedience

Social Learning

Knowing Peers’ Real Attitudes Helps Students Drink Less

Problem

The leading causes of death for adolescents in the United States are alcohol use and alcohol-related events.

Solution

Showing students that many of their peers are uncomfortable with alcohol reduces drinking...

Health

Conformity / Obedience

Emoticons Reduce Energy Use

Problem

Using too much energy hurts the environment.

Solution

Including smiley and frowny face emoticons in people’s energy bills can lead entire neighborhoods to use less energy...

Environment

Conformity / Obedience

To Make Change, Start With A Crowd

Problem

It's hard to change people's behavior.

Solution

Changing the behaviors of an entire group of people can be easier than changing just one person at a time...

Education

Health

Conformity / Obedience

Social Learning

Peer Pressure Can Reduce Prejudice

Problem

Teens are notoriously intolerant of people who do not think, act, or look like them.

Solution

When just one teen stands up to prejudice, his or her peers often follow suit…

Peace & Conflict

Conformity / Obedience

Managing Mischief Cuts Crime

Problem

How can police departments quickly and cheaply lower the crime rates of entire neighborhoods?

Solution

Stamping out minor mischief like public drunkenness and fixing blights like broken windows reduces serious crimes...

Law & Politics

Conformity / Obedience

A Simple Message Saves Water

Problem

Small acts like reusing a hotel towel can save thousands of gallons of water, detergent, and oil every day. But most hotel guests use their towels only once before having it washed.

Solution

A simple message that appeals to our desire to fit in with people like us - that is, to follow local social norms - moves hotel guests to reuse their towels...

Environment

Conformity / Obedience